aside the carbine. 66

do for me ?" he cried. He was not immediately recognised, and one trooper, taking him for an enemy, was about to fire. William gently put What," said he, "do you not know your friends ?" "It is his majesty," said the colonel. The ranks of sturdy Protestant yeomen set up a shout of joy. "Gentlemen," said William, "you shall be my guards to-day. I have heard much of you. Let me see something of you." One of the most remarkable peculiarities of this man, ordinarily so saturnine and reserved, was, that danger acted on him like wine, opened his heart, loosened his tongue, and took away all appearance of constraint from his manner. On this memorable day he was seen wherever the peril was greatest. One ball struck the cap of his pistol, another carried off the heel of his jackboot; but his lieutenants in vain implored him to retire to some station from which he could give his orders without exposing a life so valuable to Europe. His troops, animated by his example, gained ground fast. The Irish cavalry made their last stand at a house called Plottin Castle, about a mile and a half south of Oldbridge. There the Enniskilleners were repelled with the loss of fifty men, and were hotly pursued, till William rallied them and turned the chase back. In this encounter Richard Hamilton, who had done all that could be done by valour to retrieve a reputation forfeited by perfidy, was severely wounded, taken prisoner, and instantly brought through the smoke, and over the carnage, before the prince whom he had foully wronged. On no occasion did the character of William show itself in a more striking manner. "Is this business over ?" he said, "or will your horse make more fight?" "On my honour, sir," answered Hamilton, "I believe that they will." "Your honour!" muttered William," your honour!" That half-suppressed exclamation was the only revenge which he condescended to take for an injury for which many sovereigns, far more affable and gracious in their ordinary deportment, would have exacted a terrible retribution. Then restraining himself, he ordered his own surgeon to look to the hurts of the captive.

KING WILLIAM'S MANNERS.

66

One of the chief functions of our sovereigns had long been to preside over the society of the capital. That function Charles the Second had performed with immense success. His easy bow, his good stories, his style of dancing and playing tennis, the sound of his cordial laugh, were familiar to all London. One day he was seen among the elms of St. James's park chatting with Dryden about poetry. Another day his arm was on Tom Durfey's shoulder; and his Majesty was taking a second, while his companion sang, "Phillida, Phillida," or To horse, brave boys, to Newmarket, to horse." James, with much less vivacity and good nature, was accessible, and, to people who did not cross him, civil. But of this sociableness William was entirely destitute. He seldom came forth from his closet; and when he appeared in the public rooms, he stood among the crowd of courtiers and ladies, stern and abstracted, making no jest and smiling at none. His freezing look, his silence, the dry and concise answers which he uttered when he could keep silence no longer, disgusted noblemen and gentlemen who had been accustomed to be slapped on the back by their royal masters, called Jack or Harry, congratulated about race cups or rallied about actresses. The women missed the homage due to their sex. They observed that the king spoke in a somewhat imperious tone even to the wife to whom he owed so much, and whom he sincerely loved and esteemed. They were amused and shocked to see him, when the Princess Anne dined with him, and when the first green peas of the year were put on the table, devour the whole dish without offering a spoonful to her Royal Highness; and they pronounced that this great soldier and politician was no better than a low Dutch bear. One misfortune, which was imputed to him as a crime, was

his bad English. He spoke our language, but not well. His accent was foreign; his diction was inelegant; and his vocabulary seems to have been no larger than was necessary for transaction of business. To the difficulty which he felt in expressing himself, and to his consciousness that his pronunciation was bad, must be partly ascribed the taciturnity and the short answers which gave so much offence. Our literature he was incapable of enjoying or of understanding. He never once, during his whole reign, showed himself at the theatre. The poets who wrote Pindaric verses in his praise complained that their flights of sublimity were beyond his comprehension. Those who are acquainted with the panegyrical odes of that age, will perhaps be of opinion that he did not lose much by his ignorance.

THE FAULTS OF THE TOLERATION ACT.

The Toleration Act approaches very near to the idea of a great English law. To a jurist, versed in the theory of legislation, but not intimately acquainted with the temper of the sects and parties into which the nation was divided at the time of the Revolution, that Act would seem to be a mere chaos of absurdities and contradictions. It will not bear to be tried by sound general principles. Nay, it will not bear to be tried by any principles, sound or unsound. The sound principle undoubtedly is, that mere theological error ought not to be punished by the civil magistrate. This principle the Toleration Act not only does not recognise, but positively dis claims. Not a single one of the cruel laws enacted against Nonconformists by the Tudors or the Stuarts is repealed. Persecution continues to be the general rule. Toleration is the exception. Nor is this all. The freedom which is given to conscience is given in the most capricious manner. A Quaker, by making a declaration of faith in general terms, obtains the full benefit of the Act without signing one of the Thirty-nine Articles. An Independent minister, who is perfectly willing to make the declaration required from the Quaker, but who has doubts about six or seven of the Articles, remains still subject to the penal laws. Howe is liable to punishment if he preaches before he has solemnly declared his assent to the Anglican doctrine touching the Eucharist. Penn, who altogether_rejects the Eucharist, is at perfect liberty to preach without making any declaration whatever on the subject.

MOTIVE POWER OF THE NIAGARA FALLS, AS COMPARED WITH

THE WORKS OF ART.

It appears, from a calculation made by Mr. G. R. Blackwell, in the American Journal of Science and Arts, that the waterfall of Niagara is capable of imparting a mechanical force of motive power equal to 4,533,334 horse power, being nineteen times greater than the aggregate motive of power all the steam-engines and waterfalls of Great Britain; and when it is considered that the water power of the cataract of Niagara is unceasing night and day, and that the power, as calculated above, for practicable purposes, in Great Britain, is only applied, on an average, about eleven hours per day during six days of the week, it may be assumed that the motive power the Fall is at least forty-fold of the aggregate of all the water and steam power of this country.

of

Such, and in so great a scale," says the Journal, "are the ordinary operations of the impulses of physical power employed in the mechanics of nature in the movements of a single river, that there is thus furnished an impressible lesson to humble the pride of man in his boasted achievements of the triumphs of mind over matter.'

"True, there is much in the comparison to humble man in the pride of his triumphs, and the boast of his discoveries-and we even might pro

ceed a little farther, until we had reduced into utter insignificance the most brilliant attainments of art, and the proudest monuments of human skill and ingenuity :

In human works though laboured on with pain,
A thousand movements scarce one purpose gain.

"The projectile force of a cannon-ball is equal to eight miles per minute; what is this compared with the tangential force of the earth at a point of its orbit, which is equal to nearly 1,130 miles per minute? The greatest artificial heat yet obtained is 21,877 deg. scale of Fahrenheit; the internal heat of the earth is computed to be equal to 450,000 deg. Thus ascending in the scale of creation, we outstrip every element of calculation, and annihilate every point of comparison, in estimating the energies of matter, whether as developed in the mechanics or in the chemistry of nature. The concentration of power is an object aimed at by man in the progress of discovery, but it is not the chief one; the application of that power to the various purposes of life has contributed most to call forth his ingenuity. In the steam-engine, he is in possession of a power limited only by the strength of the vessel in which it is generated; but unlimited in its wonderful application to the numerous and diversified processes of art and manufactures. With this power, man has reduced the labour of five hundred years to one day; with this power he can perform the most delicate processes, as well as those requiring the greatest application of mechanical energy-with this power he has diminished both time and space. But recently he only crawled on the surface of the earth; now, he can transport himself from place to place with the swiftness of the carrier-pigeon; and thus, by the rapidity of his movements, the extent of his intercourse, the variety of his operations, and the amount of his enjoyments, he has materially added to the sum of his existence, and extended the boundaries of thought and of action."

A WORD TO THE SORROWFUL.

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy"-not they that simply sow tears. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing "-not he that only weeps.

Let us remember this, lest we be asked, "Where are your sheaves?" Why are they not the richer for this dew of heaven, for this "rain upon the mown grass 99 ? How many are they who "wrap the mantle of their grief about them," and idly sigh their life away; making, moreover, a virtue of their cloak, even a robe of righteousness, which shall, they think, admit them into heaven!

Let us rather feel our responsibility to be the greater for all this grief. After all this process of cultivation-this gift of God for the end of our perfection, shall we not indeed be barren trees, unprofitable servants, if we have no harvest to bring in, no jewelled crowns to lay down at Jesus' feet!— at the feet of this Captain of our Salvation, who was made perfect through suffering; of Him who," though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered ?"-Puritan Recorder.

A BRIEF COLLOQUY.

"Our doctrine," said a Universalist preacher, "is certainly the most merciful; it embraces in its charity the whole race of man, and divests God of all appearance of that severe justice, which you say requires him to damn sinners. Surely, if you would consult your peace of mind, you would discard your gloomy views and embrace it." "True," says the plain Christian addressed, "it seems to be very charitable; but is it true? Suppose I should trust in it, is there any way of rectifying my mistake, if

in the other world I should find it to be erroneous? I feel no disposition to hazard my soul, and as Universalism will, if true, cover my case at all events, I will in the meantime trust to the good old way, of believing in Christ for salvation, and testifying my sincerity by a holy life."

LIFE A PILGRIMAGE.

Here thou art but a stranger, travelling to thy country, where the glories of a kingdom are prepared for thee; it is, therefore, a huge folly to be much afflicted because thou hast a less convenient Inn to lodge in by the

way.

SECRET PRAYER.

Christian brother! hast thou "entered into thy closet" daily of late? If not, what dishonour hast thou done to Him who stands ready there to "hear all thy petitions!" How much love for your family could you be supposed to possess, if you should stay away from the family circle whole days, and eat and sleep in your barn? You can eat your bread from heaven only in the closet, and keep your heart warm with the blood of Jesus only there. If you are willing to venture through the dangers, and to assume the responsibilities of any day of your life, without Christ for your guide and strength on that day, omit entering your closet, but on no other.

Again, hast thou considered the closet the place for the virtual achievement of the main business of life? Jacob had been many years acting out the views gained and plans formed in secret communion with God, when he was about to meet Esau, who might destroy him. Now, he must gain victory and success in his secret communion wish God. In going to and coming from Pandan-aram, he achieved the great ends he aimed at in secret intercourse with God. Before we have God with us in outward labour, we must seek him and gain his direction, and promise of help in secret. Oh, if thy heart was more in the closet, it would be more full of hope in the church of God, where thou oughtest to "play the man" always.

Dear Sir,

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

GROSVENOR-STREET CIRCUIT.

GREEN HEYS CHAPEL.

You will be pleased to learn that the interests of the kingdom of our Redeemer are being promoted in our Circuit.

Simultaneously with the revival of the work of God, by which many have been brought to a saving acquaintance with Him, it has been our delight to receive other manifestations of His favour.

From the time our Association first was formed, we have had a Sabbath-school (the Wilmot Street Sabbath-school), on this side of the Circuit. But although situate in a densely populated neighbourhood, we have done little more than keep our school together. We had long been of opinion, that in order to succeed, it would be necessary to have more suitable accommodation, but until, in the order of Divine Providence, our way was opened, all our efforts were utterly fruitless. Our extremity proved to be God's opportunity. A small but neat and comfortable chapel and schoolroom, which had been built about the year 1855, for the use of the Primitive Methodists, was offered for sale by auction. It was thought by many of our friends that if the purchase could be effected, at a suitable price, we ought to secure the place.

On the day of sale, the chapel and school-room were bought for the use of the Wesleyan Methodist Association, for the sum of 400%. Conveyance, alterations, &c., have increased the cost to about 500/.

It being our opinion that the house of God should be free of debt, an effort has been made, whereby we hope that, within twelve months from the time of .opening, to have it free from all encumbrance.

To accomplish this object, we first called together a few friends, who nobly responded to our appeal for aid. Our next business was to set about canvassing the Circuit, the result of which canvass has been most gratifying.

On Sunday, February 1st, the chapel was opened for Divine worship, when the Rev. A. Gilbert, our much esteemed minister, preached in the morning and evening, and the Rev. J. Steele, of Salford, in the afternoon.

On the following Monday evening, the Rev. Wm. McKerrow, D.D., of the United Presbyterian Church, preached for us; and in addition to a most eloquent discourse, made us a present of half-a-sovereign.

On Sunday, February 8th, the Rev. G. J. N. Faull preached in the morning; the Rev. M. Miller in the afternoon; and the Rev. H. Tarrant in the evening.

On the Monday evening following, we had an excellent discourse from the Rev. Joseph Rayner Stephens of Staley bridge.

The services were well attended, and the collections good, amounting altogether to upwards of 30l.

On Wednesday evening, February 18th, we had a public tea-meeting, the trays for which were kindly furnished by the ladies. After tea, the chair was occupied by our minister, the Rev. A. Gilbert, when the meeting, which was a crowded one, was addressed by the Rev. J. Steele, and others.

Our prospects are most cheering, the school is rapidly filling, -and we doubt not but that, with the blessing of God upon our united efforts, we shall soon have to say, "the place is too straight for us, give us room that we may dwell."

Manchester, March 10, 1857.

JAS. MCALLESTER.

STOCKTON CIRCUIT.

66 THE WESLEY FAMILY" LECTURES.

The fifth and concluding lecture of this most interesting series was delivered by the Rev. Edmund Heywood, in the Wesleyan Association Chapel, Regentstreet, Stockton, on Tuesday evening last. The audience was larger than at any of the preceding lectures, and completely crowded the chapel. The entirely unsectarian character of the lectures and their enduring interest, combined with the well known abilities of the lecturer, occasioned a large attendance of members of other denominations. Amongst the audience we noticed Episcopalians, Independents, Baptists, Presbyterians, Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists, and persons of no professions whatever, all drawn together by a common sympathy to listen to Mr. Heywood's delineation of the founder of Methodism. The chair was occupied by Mr. Thomas Brown. The subject, as announced, was "John Wesley, what he was, what he taught, what he did; Saul of Tarsus, Martin Luther, and John Wesley compared.'

Mr. Heywood commenced with a brief review of his former lectures, showing the influence possessed by the parents of John Wesley in forming the character of their most celebrated son; the judicious training given by his mother especially, being cited as a glorious example for all Christian parents. His diligence was pointed out as the secret of his success. His large-hearted benevolence when at college, and throughout life was illustrated by characteristic incidents. The lecturer gave a graphic sketch of the extraordinary circumstances of Mr. Wesley's eventful career, embracing the mission to Georgia; his conversion; the closing of the churches against him; his connection and difference with Whitfield (of whom Mr. Heywood spoke in terms of the highest commendation); the foundation of Methodism and its subsequent success; his unhappy marriage, and its attendant circumstances; his cheerful and happy old age, and triumphant death. As an author, Wesley was most industrious, as his Christian library, his sermons and hymns, and the "Arminian Magazine," (of which he was editor for a considerable time),